More than 2,700 came to the 9/11 Memorial Friday to show respect for our military and first responders.

Teams of firefighters in full gear, law-enforcement, EMS and parents with children in decorated strollers, friends bearing signs of loved ones, people wearing numerous designs of red white and blue and American Flags were united.

“These people are running today because they believe in the first responders and military service members who are out there every day on our behalf,” said Tunnel to Towers Committee Chairman Dan Hennigan.

“As you prepare to run, please look around and thank our first responders and military service members and their families.

“Their service is critical. Their sacrifices are great.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for protecting and keeping us safe.

“You are our heroes. We will never forget and will always remember you.”

The 7th Annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk at the Columbia Convention Center paid tribute to all who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

They remembered the heroic example of Stephen Siller, a New York fireman.

On that fateful day 18 years ago, he abandoned a game of golf, donned 60-pounds of bunker gear and ran through the Battery Tunnel from Brooklyn to the twin towers. He was among 343 firefighters and 2,996 people who lost their lives.

The run/walk also honors Gold Star Mothers such as Dianne Rawl of Lexington who lost their children in service to our country.

“We promise each of the family members we will always remember their loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Henningan said.

Proceeds are used to assist first responders and military who are in catastrophically challenged situations.

To date, Tunnel to Towers proceeds have been used to develop and build 85 smart homes for wounded warriors and families. More than 40 mortgages have been paid off for them.

Over $6,000 in scholarships has been awarded to children of military and first responder families.

Lauren Smoak whose father is a Columbia Fire Department captain received a $2,000 scholarship at the event sponsored by Lexington Medical Center.